1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to media storage containers and, more particularly, to a media storage container adapted to hold multiple disc-shaped items of recorded media. Specifically, the invention relates to the structure of the opposed retaining hubs that cooperate to retain the disc-shaped items of recorded media in the storage container.
2. Background Information
A single consumer media title, such as a feature film or an item of interactive software, is now frequently large enough to require multiple media storage discs to hold the media. Some media items are sold with two different versions such as widescreen and full screen. Some media items are sold with a “bonus material” disc which contains material related to the main disc. Manufacturers desire to package and ship these discs together in a single container. One industry standard that has gained widespread acceptance in the industry is the 15 mm container. These containers are large enough to accommodate multiple discs. Some manufacturers desire, however, to use a thin media container such as one that may be easily mailed through the US Postal Service. These manufacturers also desire a low profile storage container that holds two discs.
The invention provides a media storage container having a base and lid with a hub disposed on each of the base and lid. The hubs overlap each other when the lid is closed so that the overall height of the media storage container may be reduced.
In one configuration, the invention provides a hub configuration that stabilizes the media storage container when the lid is closed. The hub configuration also helps to retain the discs on the hubs when the lid is closed. The container is stabilized with hubs that engage each other when the lid is closed.
Another configuration of the invention provides a media storage container for holding first and second disc-shaped items of recorded media; the media storage container including a base having a bottom wall; a lid having a top wall; the lid being movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base; a first hub connected to the bottom wall; the first hub having a pair of retaining fingers adapted to releasably retain the first disc-shaped item of recorded media; the first hub having a pair of positioning fingers; each positioning finger of the first hub being disposed between two of the retaining fingers; a second hub connected to the top wall; the second hub having a pair of retaining fingers adapted to releasably retain the second disc-shaped item of recorded media; the second hub having a pair of positioning fingers; each positioning finger of the second hub being disposed between two of the retaining fingers; the first and second hubs being aligned when the lid is in the closed position; and the first and second hubs engaging each other when the container is in the closed configuration to support the bottom wall away from the top wall; the first and second hubs engaging each other with the positioning fingers of the second hub engaging the retaining fingers of the first hub and the positioning fingers of the first hub engaging the retaining fingers of the second hub.
Another configuration of the invention provides a media storage container for holding first and second disc-shaped items of recorded media; the media storage container including a base having a bottom wall; a lid having a top wall; the lid being movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base; a first hub connected to the bottom wall; the first hub having a pair of retaining fingers adapted to releasably retain the first disc-shaped item of recorded media; the retaining fingers of the first hub defining the height of the first hub; a second hub connected to the top wall; the second hub having a pair of retaining fingers adapted to releasably retain the second disc-shaped item of recorded media; the retaining fingers of the second hub defining the height of the second hub; each retaining finger including a vertical leg, a shoulder, a locking flange, and a horizontal arm; the horizontal arms being disposed parallel to the bottom wall and top wall when the lid is in the closed position; the first and second hubs being aligned when the lid is in the closed position; and when the lid is in the closed position, the top wall is spaced from the bottom wall a first distance; the first distance being smaller than the sum of the heights of the first and second hubs such that the first and second hubs are overlapped with each other.
Another configuration of the invention provides a media storage container for holding first and second disc-shaped items of recorded media; the media storage container including a base having a bottom wall; a lid having a top wall; the lid being pivotably connected to the base with a living hinge; the lid being movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base; a first hub connected to the bottom wall; the first hub having a pair of retaining fingers adapted to releasably retain the first disc-shaped item of recorded media; the first hub having a pair of positioning fingers; each positioning finger of the first hub being disposed between two of the retaining fingers; a second hub connected to the top wall; the second hub having a pair of retaining fingers adapted to releasably retain the second disc-shaped item of recorded media; the second hub having a pair of positioning fingers; each positioning finger of the second hub being disposed between two of the retaining fingers; the first and second hubs being aligned when the lid is in the closed position; the retaining fingers of the first hub being disposed along a first reference line; the retaining fingers of the second hub being disposed along a second reference line; the first reference line being disposed perpendicular to the second reference line when the lid is in the closed position; and each of the fingers having a vertical leg, a shoulder, and a horizontal arm; the horizontal arms being wedge-shaped and disposed parallel to the bottom wall and top wall when the lid is in the closed position.
The features of these configurations may be used alone or in combination.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.
The media storage container of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 2 in the accompanying drawings. Container 2 generally includes a base 10 having a bottom wall 12, a pair of sidewalls 14, and a front wall 16. Container 2 also generally includes a lid 20 having a top wall 22, a pair of sidewalls 24, and a front wall 26. Bottom wall 12 is connected to a hinge wall 30 with a first living hinge 32. A second living hinge 34 connects hinge wall 30 to top wall 22. Lid 20 is movable between open and closed positions with respect to base 10 about hinges 32 and 34. When lid 20 is in the closed position, the front and side walls overlap each other to define double walls about three sides of the container.
A disc retaining hub 50 is carried by each of base 10 and lid 20. Hubs 50 are aligned with each other such that they substantially (within a few mm) share a common axis when lid 20 is in the closed position as shown in
Each locking flange 60 is adapted to be disposed over the edge of media disc 28 to retain disc 28 on hub 2. Locking flanges 60 are sized and configured to allow disc 28 to be forced over opposed locking flanges 60 with a snap fit connection. Flanges 60 may have angled upper surfaces with opposed underlying locking surfaces disposed perpendicular to the finger to lock discs 28 in place. Each flange 60 has a height that is less than half of the thickness of disc 54.
Retaining fingers 52 on the base hub are rotated a quarter turn (90 degrees) from retaining fingers 52 on lid hub so that fingers 52 overlap each other when the container is closed as shown in
Hubs 50 may also include positioning fingers 80 disposed between retaining fingers 52. Each positioning finger 80 includes a vertical leg 82, a shoulder 84, and a horizontal arm 86. Arms 86 are wedge-shaped when viewed from above to match the size and shape of arms 86. In one configuration, arms 86 are slightly spaced from arms 62 when the container is closed. This configuration allows the container to close without any interference from the hubs. The arms 62 and 86 are close enough, however, to engage and provide support to the base and lid in situations where a compressive force is applied to the container. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, arms 62 and 86 are configured to engage each other when the container is closed to provide this support.
In one configuration, each hub 50 includes a shelf 90 that is raised above the upper surface of walls 12/22. Shelf 90 is used to add rigidity to the container at the locations of hubs 50. Shelf is also used to lift media discs 54 off of walls 12/22 as shown in
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/756,182 filed Jan. 3, 2006; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60756182 | Jan 2006 | US |